Austria leads Europe: Record demand in passenger transport!

The increasing expenditure of infrastructure operators for maintenance and renewal is now with an increase of 19 % per route kilometer. Nevertheless, sales in passenger transport rose by 9 % compared to the previous year and by 13 % compared to 2019. In rail freight transport, sales rose despite falling transport quantities, which is mainly due to price increases. Interestingly, diesel prices fell by 19 %, while the costs for railway current rose around the same percentage.

developments and challenges in European space

IRG-Rail, founded in 2011, currently comprises 31 members who pursue the goal of promoting a uniform and competitive and sustainable railway market in Europe. In the context of the corona crisis, it was found that industry development was severely affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. In 2021, the traffic performance in passenger transport was 41 % below the level of 2019, but was able to gradually recreation in 2022 ( Schienen-Control ).

In addition, the report shows that the market share of the domestic state railway companies in Austria fell under 50 %, while the private freight railways were able to increase their market share to 36 %. In Austria, Rail Cargo Austria holds 63 % of the net barrel kilometers, followed by the private freight railways with 29 % and foreign incumbents with 8 %.

The liberalization of rail freight transport is already very advanced in some countries, while in other areas still monopoly positions. Pandemic also resulted in government aid measures, for example by adapting the infrastructure use fee. These challenges and developments show the complex image in which the European railway market is located. Further information on these topics can be found in the comprehensive report by IRG-Rail ( SCI ).